Chapter 3 Memory Flashcards
memory
an active information processing system that receives, stores, organises and recovers information
encoding
the process that converts information into a useable form (code) that can be stored and represented in the memory system
storage
the retention of information in the memory system over time
retrieval
the process of locating information stored in memory and bringing it into consciousness when needed, to complete a cognitive task.
multi-store model of memory
the memory model that visualises memory as a system consisting of multiple memory stores through which a stream of data flows for processing
sensory memory
the first stage of the multi-store model of memory; it receives and stores an unlimited amount of sensory information for up to a few seconds
sensory register
a subsystem of sensory memory that receives and stores specific sensory information received from a sense of organ
iconic memory
the subsystem of sensory memory that receives and stores an unlimited amount of visual information in the form of a visual image for approximately 1/3 to 1/2 of a second
echoic memory
the subsystem of sensory memory that receives and stores an unlimited amount of auditory information in the form of an echo for up to 3-4 seconds
short term memory (STM)
the second and most active memory system in the multi-store model of memory; stores a limited amount of information entering from sensory memory or retrieved from LTM for a short period of time unless the information is rehearsed
magic number 7 (+ or - 2)
the number of single items of information that the average short term memory can hold at any one time
chunking
grouping separate items of information to form a larger single information unit (chunk) so our short-term memory can hold more than the usual seven single items of information at any given moment
rehearsal
the active manipulation of information in short-term memory in order to hold it for longer than the usual 18-20 seconds
maintenance rehearsal
the rehearsal technique involving the repetition of information a number of times so it can be held in short-term memory for a longer than the usual 18-20 seconds
elaborative rehearsal
the rehearsal technique involving linking new information in some meaningful way with information already stored in LTM, or with other pieces of new information, to hold it in short-term memory for longer than the usual 18-20 seconds
self-referencing
an elaborate rehearsal technique involving linking new information to the self or to personal experience to hold it in short term memory for longer than the usual 18-20 seconds and to increase its chances of transfer to and retrieval from LTM
long term potentiation
the long lasting strenthening of synaptic connections of neurons resulting in more efficient functioning of neurons when activated
serial-position effect
a pattern of recall for list items, where recall is better for items at the beginning or end of a list than for items in the middle
recency effect
the serial-position effect where recall is best for items at the end of a list, then for items at the beginning, then for items in the middle of the list
primary effect
the serial position effect where recall is best for the first items on the list, then for items at the end of the list, then for items in the middle of the list
long-term memory (LTM)
the third memory system in the multi-store model of memory; used for relatively permanent storage of an unlimited amount of information
working memory
according to Baddeley and Hitch, an active subsystem of STM that temporarily stores and manipulates a limited amount of information needed to perform cognitive tasks
phonological loop
an area of working memory that stores a limited number of sounds (speech-based and acoustic) received from the echoic memory and/or LTM for up to two seconds unless the information is rehearsed
phonological stores
a subsystem of working memory’s phonological loop that holds the sounds we want to keep or are preparing to speak, in their order, for up to two seconds, by subvocalising them; known as the ‘inner ear’
articulatory control system
a subsystem of working memory’s phonological loop that holds the sounds we want to keep or are preparing to speak, in their order, for up to two seconds, by subvocalising them; known as the ‘inner voice’
visuospatial sketchpad
the area of working memory that briefly stores the visual and spatial information that is received from sensory memory or LTM
episodic buffer
an area of working memory that briefly stores a limited amount of sound-based information from the phonological loop and visual and postal information from the visuospatial sketchpad with information retrieved from LTM, and integrates it into a single multi-dimensional representation or ‘episode’
central executive
an area of working memory that monitors, coordinates and integrates information received from the phonological loop, visuospatial sketchpad, episodic buffer and LTM
levels of processing model
the theory that after information leaves sensory memory, its storage varies along a continuum of levels of processing ranging from shallow to deep processing; the levels of processing used during encoding determines how long and how well information is stored
shallow processing
processing information using structural encoding
structural encoding
encoding information according to its basic (structural) perceptual features
intermediate processing
processing information using phonemic encoding
phonemic encoding
encoding information according to the sound of the word used to identify the information
deep processing
processing information using semantic encoding
semantic encoding
encoding information according to its meaning
procedural memory
a type of LTM for learnt actions and skills that can usually only be expressed as actions
declarative memory
a type of LTM for specific factual information that can be expressed in words; subgroups are semantic memory and episodic memory
semantic memory
a type of declarative memory for impersonal factual knowledge about the world
episodic memory
a types of declarative memory for personally significant events associated with specific times and places
semantic network theory
the theory of how information in LTM is stored and organised in a hierarchal network of linked meanings
axon
a fibre that transmits information away from a neurones cell body
dendrite
a fibre that extends from a neuron’s cell body and receives incoming messages sent from another neuron
synapse
the microscopic space between neurons over which messages pass
neurotranmitters
brain chemicals released at the synapse that transmit messages between neurons
amnesia
a temporary or permanent, partial or complete loss of memory
hippocampus
a brain structure buried deep within the brain and extending into the temporal lopes; associated with memory formation and storage
amygdala
a cluster of neurons in the limbic system that is associated with memory, learning and initiating fear responses
consolidation
the process by which a relatively permanent LTM is formed
consolidation theory
the theory that during learning and in the approximately 30 minutes after learning, changes in the brain cells occur as information is transferred from STM to LTM for relatively permanent storage
retrograde amnesia
a form of memory loss for events occurring before an amnesia-causing event
anterograde amnesia
a form of memory lose for events that happen after an amnesia-causing event
neurodegenerative disease
a disease that gradually and progressively kills nerve cells and results in nervous system dysfunction and permanent loss of ability
dementia
a general term that describes the symptoms of a variety pf brain illnesses that progressively kill brain cells and result in irreversible structural and chemical changes in the brain that lead to permanent and severe cognitive loss
Alzheimer’s disease
an irreversible and progressive neurodegenerative disease that gradually kills brain cells, causing severe cognitive and behavioural decline that eventually results in death
amyloid plaques
sticky, abnormal clusters of beta-amyloid fragments that collect on the outside of nerve cells, destroying the synapse and the conduction of nerve impulses
neurofibrillary tangles
twisted strands of tau protein found in the centre of dead and dying nerve cells
acetylcholine
a neurotransmitter that carries information between the synapse of cells believed to be involved in learning, memory and mood
